Tarragon properties

(Artemisia dracunculus)

TARRAGON MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Tarragon for the digestive system

- Eupeptic and carminative: tarragon is a very aromatic herb which aids digestion and helps expel gas from the intestines. His treatment is due to the richness in aromatic monoterpenes and flavonoids, which stimulate digestive secretions.

- Tarragon prevents stomach ulcers: after lemon, tarragon is the most important natural source of nerol. This component is related to the treatment of gastritis, because it is effective against the bacteria H. pylori and because of its anti-ulcer properties. Another monoterpene with the same properties for the stomach is sabinene, also located in tarragon (5g infusion. of leaves in 250ml. of water).

- It stimulates the production of bile: tarragon is a plant with choleretic and cholagogue properties, meaning that it contains substances that stimulate the production of bile (choleretic) and favor its expulsion (cholagogue). The effect to health is to thin the bile and help cleanse the liver and gallbladder.

This provides a slightly laxative effect, helps prevent stones in the gallbladder and improves the health of the body. Tarragon substances contains at least 10 choleretic substances and some of them also with cholagogue effect: including caffeic acid, coumarins, flavonoids (apigenin, naringenin) and some aromatic compounds (menthol, cineole).

Furthermore, tarragon containing coumarins such as herniarine, having hepatoprotective effect in small doses (infusion).

Indicated for the preventive treatment of gallstones. It is recommended for people with diabetes, women who have had children (not during pregnancy), or obese individuals (Use as a condiment or infusion; 5g. Dried leaves in 250ml. Than water).

BENEFITS OF TARRAGON

Tarragon for diabetes

Scientific studies are investigating the effects of the extract of tarragon to treat Type II diabetes. Tarragon extract achieves decrease blood sugar, enhancing the sensitivity of cells to insulin (improving receiver sensitivity of insulin). However, this property is still being studied (Use it as a condiment or infusion; 5g. of dried leaves in 250ml of water. A couple of glasses a day).

Tarragon, a natural antibiotic

The spices like tarragon were used, in addition to its digestive properties, to disguise the smell of food due to its natural degradation or poor maintenance.

This traditional use is a sign of wisdom, as modern science has shown that these herbs are able to fight certain bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Because it acts as a natural antibiotic, tarragon seasoning was formerly used as medicine to prevent and preserve food poisoning. It can help treat excessive intestinal fermentation and it is also used against tuberculosis.

Tarragon is named after its analgesic value and because it is able to disinfect wounds. Greek mythology associated this plant with the legend of Hippolytus, who was swallowed by a dragon. From here derives the Latin name of the plant dracunculus (little dragon), which had as a remedy for snake bites.

Other tarragon properties

- Toothache: The root of tarragon is also very rich in coumarins, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Formerly, when suffering from toothache, a bit of root was put on the affected part to reduce pain.

- Halitosis: tarragon has been also cited as a remedy for bad breath, it has components against bacteria that cause it.

- Thins the blood, the active principle of tarragon, called estragole, possess antiplatelet properties aiding to blood flow. This property prevents platelets from sticking to the blood vessel walls which is responsible for thrombus formation.

This effect has been verified by studies in vitro, that have corroborated the role of tarragon in traditional medicine to treat thrombosis and prevent cardiovascular disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

* Note: these properties are contraindicated in individuals taking anticoagulant medication (see Toxicity of Tarragon in the listing above).

- Tranquilizer: Tarragon contains sedative flavorings such as methyl eugenol and limonene. This plant is also an important source of apigenin, a type of flavonoid with demonstrated sedative properties.

The physician and botanist Ibn al-Arab Baitar recommended tarragon for insomnia and nervousness (5g infusion of dried leaves in 200ml of water. Tow cups a day).
To this end also used tarragon essential oil in aromatherapy.

PRECAUTIONS

Tarragon should be used sparingly due to its content of estragole. The estragole is the major component of the essential oil of tarragon, which is also found in other spices such as star anise, fennel and basil.

Scientific studies warn that high doses of estragole are toxic due to their carcinogenic potential when used in high doses or when performing long treatments.

For its thujone content, has abortifacient properties and emmenagogue effect. Do not take if you are pregnant.

Take tarragon in recommended doses and not perpetuate the treatment more than 10 days.

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